All the mandatory overtime hours of the past few years have made things that much worse, but the end is now in sight: Philips "Best Plant" Slated to Close in Sparta.
I'm really not sure how I feel about this, it happened so suddenly and without warning.
Right now I'm planning on going full time with whistle making when the layoffs get down to me, and I hope that I'll be able to sell enough to pay the bills.
I've always envied people who could make a living doing something they enjoyed, but I could never justify the risk of quitting my job to take a chance on something that might not work out.
Now I have nothing to lose by taking the chance, so look for the return of Humphrey Whistles some time in the near future.
Oh, and I haven't mentioned the kidney stone I had three weeks ago.
First Colin Goldie, then me... it could become an epidemic among whistle makers!
I've always heard how bad those things hurt, but you really have no idea until you experience it firsthand.
Unlike Colin's, mine was too large to pass and had to be removed via lithotripsy.
No fun, no fun at all, but thankfully it's rare that a kidney stone requires invasive surgery these days.
Kicking my caffeine addiction was also necessary to help prevent future stones, which was no walk in the park, but it's worth it if I never have to go through that pain again.
I'm over the headaches, anxiety and irritability now, but I'm still sleepy most of the time.
I already knew from some recent blood work that my blood sugar and cholesterol are higher than normal, and that I had a few nutrient deficiencies, so I've been moving in incremental steps toward a healthier diet and getting regular exercise.
The doctor tells me I'd better stop procrastinating and take the necessary action to help lower the high probability of becoming diabetic and/or developing heart disease, both of which are common in my family.
Well, that kidney stone was just the wake-up call I needed to convince me that I've neglected my health for too long.
I've lost a few pounds and my blood pressure has been improving, so I'm hoping to eventually be able to stop having to take medication to lower it.
Getting out of that factory will be a huge stress relief, which should do wonders for my blood pressure if no new source of stress comes along after that.
I'm looking toward my future very optimistically right now, and I think there's a real chance that I'll be happier and healthier when all this is behind me.
Many have been the mornings I have driven to work lamenting the thought of growing old in that factory, and now I know that's not going to happen.
Not that I was ever ungrateful to have a job, especially in today's economy, but was always wishing I could do something I enjoyed instead of drudge work.
Best of luck as you start creating new paths and building the wonderful Humphrey whistles.
